Weather Forecast

Lakes Curling Club to host first Skins Curling Bonspiel Jan. 22-24

Curlers from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Canada will be in Detroit Lakes to compete in Minnesota's first Skins Curling Bonspiel, January 22-24.

Lakes Curling Club, Detroit Lakes will host the three day tournament.

According to the event's co-chairs Keven Meacham and Dale Westley, Skins curling results in a very exciting, offense-style of competition, where every end is like the final end, with teams going all out to win.

At the completion of the (8) ends, the team with the most skins value, wins the match. This event is the first of it's kind to be held in Minnesota, and is an Open Bonspiel.

The first draw will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, with matches Friday, and all day Saturday, leading up to the Championship Finals Sunday Jan. 24.

Teams are guaranteed a minimum of three matches, and the public is invited to come out to watch the curling and learn more about this popular winter sport.

Curling is played in 32 U.S. states. There are twenty-five curling clubs throughout Minnesota, with the state having the largest concentration of curlers in the nation, approximately 4,000 members.

"Curling opportunities exist for males and females of all ages, and interest in the sport continues to be growing" said Meacham. "Interest in curling has been high since the 2006 Olympics."

Added Westley, "And it will likely peak again this year, with the sport of curling to be featured in 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics in British Columbia, Canada.

To pre-register for Lakes Curling Skins Bonspiel before the December 28th deadline, visit www.lakescurling.com.